Damo

The only thing I’m sure of is that the training reports in December and late January will be thrilling.

Jones can kick to a target. When he concentrates his disposal is fine. Is it because he is haunted, or just cant be routed?

Someone said you have to be very good/exceptional at one thing and OK at others to stay on a list. Whoever said it was talking about Hunt and his breakaway speed. Then again, they could have been talking about Silvani who is ok a but not exceptional in height, speed, high marking or elite kicking. Frosty specializes in grunt and speed. Works for me.

He worked on his game to be able to run fast and then kick short. He may not always hit targets but its obvious he listens to what he needs to do. I am glad so many are wanting him to stay.

Im in acceptance. I hope last year is not reminiscent of the movie "Awakenings". I can objectively calculate that mainly injuries held back pre-season because of the injuries themselves and also over training (J.Smith) for a couple and under training for quite a few. Management of this situation was not very good. I hope that we dont over-react although quite a few have cards marked, we dont try to negotiate for big names as we inevitably pay overs and lastly we get Noah Anderson with pick two and dont sell this pick down the river.

Is there a way to put a topic on ignore?

Unless it is Coniglio I want to keep pick 2. I hear it is top 2 then a big drop to the next tier.

Yes. It is not our year. It hasnt been since september/october surgeries to many of our top players. Then many other "top players" didnt work hard enough in pre-seaon and everyone enjoyed their big heads. Im included in thinking like that as was most of Demonland. But I believe we just need to consolidate this year and we will be back. We certainly didnt have the depth I thought we had. But Im now accepting that it was more bad luck than bad management but bad management was a close second. We need our best 25 available and we could repeat last year.

Much of last weeks game was very well played by the Dees. It is only when they concentrate on not stuffing up the mistakes creep in. If they could play unthinkingly and not let their brittle confidence sway, they would be quite ok against the Saints. Field kicking was low and hard and marks were one grabbers. But second guessing late in the game is going to be our downfall, if we cant get 3-4 goals up.

Coulda woulda. Who said we couldnt hit a wall in a locked room? Bad kicking is bad football. Id agree if Lewis had kicked straight.

This game will be on Casey Radio

For the last few weeks I wish I had a better grasp of the (possible) injuries Hannan is playing with ATM. He has not been able to show his tricks as he did last year. When Im generous of spirit, I think he is playing with injuries.... Alas, thats not my mindset a lot of the time.

One big issue is the kicking in general. I was at a preview of the Adam Goodes doco yesterday and watched the replay. It was obvious our kicks almost always are higher and slower than the doggies. Every one landed in a contest. Doggies are better in the air and we contest well but just don’t mark as well as most other teams. And a long standing issue is Melbourne ability to over praise our players. I know that sounds silly on demonland but it is obvious in preseason. Petracca hi five after a mark and before a goal is missed shows again his unique ability to be the only one in the stadium shocked at his miss. Overall he is getting better before the end of the year as he is not feared by opposition as much now. I believe viney Oscar harmes and Brayshaw are going ok but they lift a very heavy load every week. It must be frustrating that so many others on the ground are incapable of helping.

After I settled down, I really like the Tracc for lachie and swap 1st round picks idea.

I want to see T.Smith and the Weid in the forward line. Im a bit bullish about the bull.

I thought Lockhart was more involved in contests than Hannan. Id have JKH for either.

He jogs to contests and doesnt give 2nd efforts. Better than your post DH.

6. Tom McDonald 5. Clayton Oliver 4. Christian Petracca 3. Nathan Jones 2. James Harmes 1. Sam Frost

He is a give-up. Doesnt try hard enough.

Casey kicked 3-3 to 1-1 that quarter.

quite enjoyable game to watch on http://northernbluesfc.com.au/?p=7400

3 points down - should be 2 goals in front.

Good round the ground kicking and accurate handballs. Horrid shots in front of goal.

Oscar not having a good day.